NASCAR Talk

Well, it’s almost January, so I think it’s about time to start looking forward to all of the activities that will be going on in the NASCAR world over the next month and a half before the running of the 50th Daytona 500. The common folk of America might think that racing doesn’t start until the Gatorade Duels, or a somewhat tuned in fan would know the Budweiser Challenge comes first. However, we hard core fans know that racing never really stops or takes a break, right?

January is going to be a flurry of activity in Daytona with testing and various Fan Fest days for all three of NASCAR’s top series. The “World Center of Racing” in Daytona, Florida kicks things off with testing for the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series, Craftsman Truck Series, and the Rolex 24.

This year, fans can also help the Daytona area community by giving blood during one of the Fan Fest testing days at the track. Those guests who give blood will receive one free ticket to see the Daytona 500 qualifying sessions on February 10th. It’s a great way to give back and get your free pass for qualifying. Blood stations will be available outside the turn 4 tunnel at the track on both of the Sprint Cup Fan Fest days. Tickets for the Sprint Cup Fan Fest nights are $15 each and the Craftsman Truck and Nationwide Series Fan Fest tickets can be purchased for $10 each.

To see a schedule of dates for the test sessions, keep reading after the jump.

NASCAR, NASCAR Fan Fest, Daytona 500

Jan. 5: The Roar Before The Rolex 24
Jan. 8: Sprint Cup Fan Fest (first session, odd-numbered teams in owners point standings following the Chicago race)
Jan. 12: Craftsman Truck Fan Fest
Jan. 15: Sprint Cup Fan Fest (second session, even-numbered teams in owners point standings following the Chicago race)
Jan. 19: Nationwide Series Fan Fest